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| COMMON NAME Barbados Cherry, Acerola, West Indian Cherry |
| BOTANICAL NAME Malpighia emarginata |
| HEIGHT 15′ |
| WIDTH 15′ |
| MONOECIOUS |
| EVERGREEN |
| LIFESPAN 40+ years |
| PERENNIAL |
| COLD TOLERANCE 28° F |
| SOIL TYPE Moist |
| WATER REQUIREMENTS Regularly |
| DROUGHT TOLERANCE No |
| SALT TOLERANCE No |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENTS Full sun; Tolerates slight shade |
| FERTILIZING Sparingly use a general purpose, 10-10-10 once every 2 to 3 weeks from Spring to Summer for faster growth. Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer 3 times a year. Halt fertilizing from the Fall to Winter, then begin again in the Spring. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves and trunk. Water before and after applying fertilizer. |
| FLOWER Small, bright pink, 5 petals, 10 yellow stamens |
| MONTH OF COLOR Summer |
| FRUIT Vibrant red, sweet and sour. Size of table grapes. |
| ALLERGENS, TOXICITY AND ANIMALS Allergies are rare. Those with “oral allergy syndrome” (OAS) also called “pollen-food syndrome” may be susceptible. May be used as a substitute for those with citrus allergies. |
| COMMENTS Also known as “Acerola” in Spanish. Self-pollinating tree. The fruit is sweet, tart, and high in vitamin A and vitamin C. Native shrub to the Antilles, grown naturally in wild forests of Central America and the Amazon. |
| PRICE 3 gallon $35 |